A collection of stories that show the impact of LA's BEST across Los Angeles.
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BIG DREAMS BEGIN AT LA’S BEST
How Two Girls from Sylmar Took Math and STEM to the National Stage In the afterschool room at Sylmar Elementary, there’s no quiet corner. Not when math becomes a board game, sports analytics a challenge, and curiosity walks in after the last bell with a backpack and questions. That’s where Site Coordinator Priscilla Galvez has […]
AL MINTURN HUMANITARIAN SITE COORDINATOR AWARD
The Al Minturn Humanitarian Site Coordinator Award recognizes Site Coordinators who promote the health, happiness, and wellbeing of those in the LA’s BEST community.
CARLA SANGER LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Carla Sanger Leadership Award honors and recognizes an LA’s BEST employee who demonstrates exceptional leadership and visionary qualities.
REBECCA TURNER MEANINGFUL IMPACT AWARD
This award represents Rebecca's belief that all the staff can make a meaningful impact.
JUNE SALE COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
June Sale’s unwavering dedication to social justice and the protection of children’s rights serves as an inspiring example to us all.
“WE DIDN’T HAVE THE INCOME OR TIME FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.”
Read how Lizzette and her family benefited from LA's BEST because they didn't have the income or time for extracurricular activities.
I GAINED VALUABLE LEADERSHIP SKILLS.
Mariah Spillers describes the hands-on leadership experience that helped her pursue her career goals.
“EVERYTHING WE DO AT LA’S BEST HELPS TO PLANT SEEDS.”
Edith shares the positive impact of hands-on learning through her experience with building gardens and outdoor learning centers alongside students.
“LA’S BEST FEELS LIKE HOME.”
Read how Erendida connects to LA’s BEST as both a staff member and as a parent.
“WE EMPOWER EACH OTHER.”
Zach tells us why he relocated his family to work for LA’s BEST.
“I WAS DEVELOPING AS A PROFESSIONAL AS THE ORGANIZATION WAS EXPANDING.”
Maria tells us how, for 27 years, she has felt supported as a professional and as an individual.
“I WAS ENCOURAGED TO CHASE MY DREAM.”
Alumni Justin Zepeda shares how his discovery of football at LA’s BEST earned him a football scholarship to college.
“I FELT LIKE I HAD A PURPOSE.”
Alumni Darío Herrera recounts how his time on the Dance & Drill team impacted his childhood and beyond.
FABI LEADS WITH HER HEART.
A story of kindness, compassion and leadership.
BRINGING OUR CULTURE TO THE GRAB & GO SITES
From “luau day” to handing out stickers, read how George Lee brought a sense of community and joy to the Grab & Go sites.
“I LEARNED THAT CHILDREN ARE NOT PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED, THEY ARE INDIVIDUALS THAT NEED TO BE DEVELOPED.”
Read how a student’s love for basketball -- and support from staff member George Lee -- taught him valuable life lessons and helped him succeed in school.
FROM A SHY BOY TO AN OUTGOING JOURNALIST.
Alumni Miguel found confidence in his writing skills thanks to his LA's BEST Coach's support. Now, he leads a successful career as a journalist, writer, and producer.
“GROWING UP IN EAST LA IN THE 90S HAD ITS CHALLENGES.”
Watch this video of Vanessa talking about memories and lessons learned at LA's BEST, and its impact on her and the community.
“THE STAFF HELPED FILL IN GAPS IN MY LEARNING.”
Alumni Mayra shares how she developed her learning skills and stepped out of her comfort zone to become who she is today.
FROM DISTRIBUTING FOOD IN AFRICA TO DISTRIBUTING FOOD IN LA.
Denise goes from West Africa to West Los Angeles to find herself "in yet another type of war zone".
“IF I WANT SOMETHING, I CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN.”
How Samantha learned to take the initiative in LA’s BEST.
“DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE YOUR TEAM SUCCESSFUL.”
In this interview, Rick Tan Jr. shares his LA's BEST story, including his thoughts on teamwork in the LA's BEST culture.
“WE LOVE OUR JOB. WE FEEL THE IMPACT…WE ARE TRULY A FAMILY.”
How Cristina found a sense of belonging and a family at LA’s BEST.
“JESS, YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE I AM NOT A SINGLE PARENT.”
Jessie shares how she built a meaningful relationship with a troubled student, which made the student's mother feel supported.
“NOT A WANT, BUT A NEED.”
Alumni Dennise Amaya tells us about how she found safety and support at LA's BEST.
“YOU CAN NEVER LEAVE… IT’S LIKE IT RUNS THROUGH YOUR VEINS!”
A former LA’s BEST staff member describes how she still feels very connected to our organization and how her love for our organization has inspired her current work.
“I FOUND MENTORSHIP AND SUPPORT.”
Alumni Ashley Ramirez-Martinez explains how LA's BEST helped her navigate the educational system, and how it empowered her to pursue a career in medicine.
GRAB & GO DISTRIBUTION IN ACTION
Watch this video of staff meeting the immediate needs of our community by serving over 500,000 meals five days a week.
“I WAS EMPOWERED TO EMPOWER OTHERS.”
Alumni Arturo Flores reflects on the impact of LA's BEST on his life, family, and community.
“I LEARNED REAL WORLD SKILLS.”
Alumni Wendy Ruiz tells us how LA’s BEST introduced her to a world she never knew.